Walk through any magazine section of any store and one is liable to find a plethora of magazine covers adorned by the faces of supermodels and celebrities, but look through this series by Deyan Stefanov and one will find something closer to earth and more in tune with reality.
The Sofia, Bulgaria-based photographer depicts a slew of ordinary people -- men and women, young and old -- as they are, without makeup or lighting designed to flatter the muse. Stefanov captures his models and all their little imperfections.
There is something indelibly human about the series. It is an honest account of people, rather than some manufactured, often impossible ideal.
Still, the photography is quite beautiful. Soft shades of gray and white complement each other like soft clouds blowing against a pale blue sky.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Authentic Portraiture
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a platform that connects photographers with ordinary people who want authentic and unfiltered portraits.
- Body Positivity
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a line of beauty products that celebrate and enhance people's natural features, without the need for heavy makeup or Photoshop editing.
- Realistic Representation
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish a media company that focuses on showcasing real people and their stories, rather than perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards.
Sectors Adopting This
- Photography
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce advanced AI technology that automatically enhances natural features in portrait photography.
- Beauty
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a range of skincare products specifically designed to enhance the natural beauty of individuals.
- Media
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a streaming platform that exclusively features documentaries and films centered around real people and their experiences.
